Seminar on Promoting Mutual Exchange of Next-Generation Human Resources between ASEAN and Japan towards Realization of Resilient Society

On November 4, 2023, the International Internship Industry-academia-government Consortium KANSAI and the Kyoto University ASEAN Center jointly hosted a seminar “Promoting Mutual Exchange of Next-Generation Human Resources between ASEAN and Japan towards Realization of Resilient Society” at the Jasmine City Hotel Bangkok, Thailand, as one of the commemorative events for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

About 30 participants from 20 Japanese general construction and construction consultant companies, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Kinki Kensetsu Kyokai (Construction Association). Moreover, there were 30 attendees who registered by online attended the onsite- seminar. This seminar went with engaging in lively discussions.

The seminar opened with remarks from Prof. Eiji Nawata (Director of the Kyoto University ASEAN Center), and Prof. Sucharit Koontanakulvong (Distinguished Scholar in Water Resources Management, Chulalongkorn University).

The second session, followed by Director. Akihisa Okuda (River Improvement and Management Division, Water and Disaster Management Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism), Prof. Noppadol Phien-wej (Asian Institute of Technology), and Prof. Suttisak Soralump (Kasetsart University), gave keynote presentations for the participants.

The discussion panel run by Professor Emeritus Hiroyasu Ohtsu as coordinator, and the panelist were Prof. Nawata, Prof. Sucharit, Prof. Noppadol, Prof. Suttisak, and Prof. Masamitsu Onishi (Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University). During the discussion session, the contents focused on the importance and prospects of promoting two-way exchange between Japan and ASEAN.

On the following day, November 5, the member from Japan visited Don Mueang Airport and High-Speed Rail project to observe the Thailand government’s project in terms of public transportation infrastructure. On November 6, a courtesy visit to JICA’s Thailand office to exchange views on infrastructure development and human resource development to enhance international competitiveness.

On November 7, the final day of the program, Kyoto University ASEAN Center invited Mr. Shigeru Kiuchi (Representative, NEDO Asian Representative Office) to give a presentation on NEDO’s international projects “Overview of the Energy Situation in Thailand, and Hydrogen-Related Trends in Thailand”. Later, there was a discussion session among the member for exchanging the prospective through the related subjects between Thailand and Japan.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all your cooperation and support in organizing this seminar.

Kyoto University-ASEAN Center will continue its activities to help strengthen interactive exchange of international human resources who will lead the next generation.

Please check the posters as following